Surrey Archaeological Society

Watching brief by R Fitzpatrick of WA on pile augering works. Previous evaluation in 2007 had identified medieval and post-medieval deposits on the site. Further post-medieval deposits were identified, at greater depths than the evaluation had suggested, and the majority of the site remains preserved in situ.

Metal detector survey by P Phillipson on the site of a USAAF Douglas C47 Skytrain aircraft that crashed on 25 October 1944. Contemporary photographs show most of the wreckage on the surface of the field. A few items probably related to the incident were recovered although nothing firmly associated with this type of aircraft, which supports a suggestion that the site was comprehensively cleared at the time.

Watching brief by S Watson of PCA during geotechnical test pitting revealed a single feature, a brick-built drain of probable late 19th century date.

Watching brief by K Grant of ASE recovered post-medieval tile and pottery but no features of archaeological interest.

Evaluation by D Calow of SyAS revealed a number of ditches containing 2nd and 3rd century AD pottery, together with evidence for ironworking.

Building recording by V Boesso of MOLA prior to the reconstruction of a listed wall. The structure was noted to have been extensively rebuilt in the 19th century, but the oldest elements appeared contemporary with the nearby Guildford House, which dates to 1660. A subsequent watching brief by S Hoad of MOLA, carried out during the dismantling of the wall, revealed a well situated partially beneath the foundations that obviously pre-dated its construction.

Historic buildings survey by G Potter of CA prior to demolition recorded a number of 19th century features.

Geophysical survey by D Calow of SyAS. Resistivity survey within the chapel did not reveal significant results or evidence for any earlier structures, apart from the suggestion of three possible postholes. Two fairly substantial anomalies were noted 20m to the east of the chapel, although no dating evidence was noted at the surface.

Soil stripping, mapping and sampling by T Munnery of SCAU prior to residential development did not reveal any finds or features of archaeological interest, despite the proximity of the site to the known Saxon cemetery. A subsequent watching brief was carried out during ground reduction works for the creation of a driveway. A boundary ditch – probably a precursor to the existing bank at the northern boundary of the site – was revealed, although no date could be assigned to the feature. A single undatable worked flint was also recovered.